v.
Pronunciation: ' da-b ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: dab · bled ; dab · bling \ -b( ə -)li ŋ \
Etymology: perhaps frequentative of 2 dab
Date: 1557
transitive verb : to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : SPATTER
intransitive verb
1 a : to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water b : to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food
2 : to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest < dabble s in art>